You can use it on windows, but you need the full path to your files in your config file.
Use C:\HostingSpaces\xxxxxxxxxxxx\wwwroot\catalog/ instead of just /catalog/
You can play around with the forward/backward slashes, but I don't think this is your issue.

Possibly may be the solution here, but not for all hosts... I've got hosting accounts that won't allow .htaccess but will take the php.ini settings.

If you are having ANY php issues, please ask your host how to set PHP settings on your hosting account, as it will save you heaps of time, rather than trying the different ways that people are telling you on this forum by trial and error.
There are many ways to do the same thing on different hosts depending on their server, php, & security settings. - My 2c -